Fernando Mendoza made his intentions clear about getting straight to work after the Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This statement clearly highlighted the mindset of the 22-year-old quarterback who is ready to embrace the challenge while learning and evolving.

Fernando Mendoza adds another milestone in viral video that captures his remarkable year

But several months of preseason workouts changed the narrative as former NFL scout Daniel Kelly issued a blunt warning to the franchise regarding their decision to sign the young quarterback.

“As a former NFL Scout I recommend that the Raiders and Rams DO NOT sign Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson to their rookie deals. Save the money” wrote Kelly on X. “Both were overhyped. Mendoza was a fourth-round NFL value on his 2025 Indiana game film. Simpson was an NFL third-round value on his 2025 Alabama game film. Both of their careers have been framed with expectations they cannot meet since they both were overdrafted in the first round and both are busts. Both have confirmed in OTAs that they are going to struggle in the NFL.”

Fernando Mendoza arrived in Las Vegas for the 2026 NFL Draft surrounded by massive expectations. His college football resume was absolutely flawless after he led the Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and captured the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. He also shattered the school record with 41 touchdown passes in a single campaign. With that kind of resume the optimism among fans was through the roof.

But the initial preseason practices have brought everyone back to reality by revealing that the young star still needs to develop his game. While going up against the starting Raiders defense led by superstar Maxx Crosby Mendoza struggled mightily with the NFL pace. He showed serious timing issues that resulted in rushed throws along with completely broken plays.

The tactical transition from college to the pros

Added to these physical struggles is a complex tactical adaptation process. At Indiana the quarterback operated almost exclusively out of shotgun formations and Run-Pass Option schemes. The NFL transition has been drastic because he must now learn to take snaps directly from under center which is a completely new mechanic for him. This steep learning curve perfectly explains why free agent signing Kirk Cousins has taken the vast majority of the first-team reps.

This situation has sparked split reactions among analysts. Daniel Kelly questioned whether the Raiders should blindly commit to the rookie contract for Mendoza after witnessing his early struggles on the field. Everything points to Cousins starting under center next season while the franchise develops Mendoza as a long-term project.

Fernando Mendoza gets a very special gift that reminds him of his Cuban roots

Unmatched Work Ethic Behind Closed Doors

Despite the external criticism the view from inside the organization paints a completely different picture. Team personnel heavily praise the incredible work ethic and commitment of the rookie. His own teammates assert that Mendoza practices every single day with the urgency of an undrafted player fighting for a roster spot. His obsession is so deep that after every formal practice he completes between 25 and 50 extra reps under center in the hallways of the team hotel to perfect his footwork.

Total peace and deep satisfaction reign within the Las Vegas Raiders organization regarding the professional attitude shown by Fernando Mendoza. Given this level of absolute dedication it seems highly unlikely that the franchise will back out of signing their quarterback of the future.